Defensive reactions are often seen as a key factor in why organizations fail to spot and act on early warning signs. This can weaken an organization's ability to bounce back from problems. But why do organizations act this way? One theory is that it stems from conflicting job demands. Let's look at UK hospital staff who deal with online criticism. These staff members, often called complaint handlers, face a tough job. They have to respond to complaints, but they don't have a clear way to help their organization learn from these issues. This puts them in a tough spot, known as the complaint handler's bind.

The research shows that complaint handlers use six main tactics when dealing with criticism. These include directing patients to other places for help, avoiding the main issue, focusing on the person's emotions, dismissing concerns as incomplete, ending the conversation, and finding unique solutions for each problem. These tactics often don't help the organization learn and can even be seen as unhelpful.

Why do complaint handlers act this way? They are stuck between having to respond to complaints and not having a way to make their organization learn from these issues. This double bind often leaves them with no choice but to be defensive. This defensive behavior is not always the root cause of problems. Instead, it can be a sign that the organization's learning process is flawed.

So, what's the solution? Future studies should look at defensiveness as a symptom rather than the cause of problems in organizational learning. By understanding this, organizations can find better ways to handle criticism and improve their resilience. It's crucial for hospitals to create clear paths for learning from complaints. This way, complaint handlers can do their job effectively and help their organization grow stronger.

ORGANISATIONAL DEFENSIVENESS

How Hospital Staff Handle Online Criticism and Why It Matters

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